"eccentric, mischievous, bizarre"

As I'm kinda rocking serial killer chic in my house at the moment with all the skulls, taxidermy and anatomical models, I like to balance it out with lots of blooms and greenery. This of course means I need vases, but its often difficult to find ones I like. I don't really like pretty vases (or pretty anything) so I generally go for vintage and particularly the fat lava variety.

Fat Lava vase - beetle & WILDE HQ

But its good to mix things up a bit and I was bowled over this week when I stumbled across a gallery showing work by artist Dan Baldwin - amazing mixed media creations that also incorporate real taxidermy, toy guns, knives, dolls and lots of other things that are right up my staircase!

Dan Baldwin - Parade lll 2013

I was particularly taken with his vases and apparently he throws them himself! But don't get any ideas about throwing as the old adage 'you break it, you bought it' will cost you about £6K!

Dan Baldwin - The Innocent 2013

This got me thinking about customising your old vases or charity shop finds and it really wouldn't be that difficult to recreate something like this without the enormous price tag. You'd just need to give it a key by sanding if possible or a coat of PVA, then some undercoat and then get busy with the decoupage! Great way to spend a wet afternoon!!

So on the theme of vases I did a bit of digging and came up with a few gems. This ventricle vase by designer Eva Milinkovic really fits in with my love of all things anatomical, and no blood to clean up - bonus!!

Ventricle Vessel - Eva Milinkovic

And ladies your ovaries never looked so stylish than with this Uterus Vase by The Plug & Stephanie Rollin -Fallopian fabulous! But does it come in black?

Uterus Vase by The Plug & Stephanie Rollin

What stylish interior would be complete without a dead bird or two? I think this ReBird Vase by Studio Toer is going on the Christmas list!

ReBird Vase - Studio Toer

In keeping with my weapons theme there's the Helmet Planter made from original, used army helmets by artist Fred Conlon and available at Uncommon Goods.

Helmet Planter - Fred Conlon

Re-purposing old chemistry sets, apothecary bottles and test tubes works well and you can pick these up from boot and antiques fairs and we often have some in stock.

Re-purposed chemistry flasks - photo from Lush Homes

Re-purposed test tubes - photo from Lush Homes

And even a pair of old boots look good!

Montana Planter - Kinsey Barnard Fine Art Nature Photography

These pair of Victorian hoof vases are certainly on my wish list, not many Buffalo in London these days tho!

Pair of taxidermy buffalo hoof lodge vases - Live Auctioneers

That's not a vase its a space station!!!

Make your own Death Star Vase at Home Made Modern

And if your penchant isn't for plants then you can always use your vases for other things!! Anyone need a hand?